Catch The Wimbledon Morris Men This Christmas

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Mummers play dates and venues

The Wimbledon-based Greensleeves Morris Men will be performing a traditional Mummers play at various pubs around the town over Christmas.

On December 26, Boxing Day, they'll dance and perform the Mummers play at 12.15 outside the Rose & Crown pub in Wimbledon Village High Street.

The fun continues nearby at 1.15pm when they move to outside the Hand in Hand and neighbouring Crooked Billet public houses on the Crooked Billet off Woodhayes Road on the edge of Wimbledon Common.

Earlier this month they were among the attractions entertaining Christmas shoppers at the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park Christmas market last weekend (Sunday 8 December).

Held on the first two Sundays of December each year, the Christmas market attractions also included Santa with his Elves in the Snuff Mill winter grotto, food and craft stalls, and Colliers Wood Yukelele Orchestra.

"It's been really successful and well attended," said Susie Williamson, the National Trust's Morden Hall Park Events Assistant, shortly before being lifted high in the air by Greensleeves at the end of their Brighton Camp dance routine.

Greensleeves Morris Men performed a lively programme of traditional dances and music, inviting the audience to join in for the traditional dance finale called Bonnie Green Garters.

"We’ve had a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience. We are pleased to support the work of the National Trust," commented Roy Fenton, Greensleeves' Tour Leader.

"We hope to see those who enjoyed us today at our Boxing Day Wimbledon Village lunch time shows."

And for those interested in English traditional dancing and folk music, Greensleeves will run Friday open evenings in January for first time and returning dancers to join in the fun of Morris dancing.

The Friday open evenings will be held on January 4 and 11 from 8pm to 10pm at South Wimbledon Community Centre, 78 Victory Road, SW19 IHN.

Loose clothing and trainers are suggested for those trying Morris dancing for the first time.

"We are seeing more young people taking up Morris dancing as a great way to keep fit and have a good time as well," Roy said. "There is no typical Morris dancer. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds. They include university and school students."

Founded in 1926, Greensleeves (www.greensleevesmorris.org.uk) is London’s longest established Morris dancing club and has been based in Wimbledon for the past 30 years.

Beginners are welcome and inquiries can be addressed to the club secretary (known as a Bagman) David Cooling on 07500993993 or bagman@greensleevesmorris.org.uk.

December 20, 2012